AB de Villiers launches autobiography

Speaking at the launch of his book, AB : The Autobiography, in Johannesburg last night, De Villiers said the overriding factor was that they always felt they were capable of winning the World Cup.

The much talked about book about AB de Villiers' life and cricket career was launched at a function at the Wanderers Cricket Stadium in Johannesburg last night.

De Villiers' immediate family and friends, including wife Danielle and son Abraham, attended the launch.

De Villiers said breaking cricket records and reaching milestones was totally secondary to him now that he was a father and family came first.

Proteas Test and ODI captain AB de Villiers is considered by many to be the greatest batsman in the game and commands great respect wherever he plays.

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He also revealed that since he was very young, he has, and still does, have a massive fear of failure.

This is AB's story, in his own words … the story of the youngest of three talented, sports-mad brothers growing up in Warmbaths, of a boy who excelled at tennis, rugby and cricket, of a youngster who made his international debut at the age of 20 and was then selected in every single Test played by South Africa for the next 11 seasons, of a batsman who has started to redefine the art, being ranked among the world's very best in Test, ODI and T20.

Through all the pyrotechnics and consistency, AB has remained a true sportsman - quick to deflect praise, swift to praise opponents, eager to work hard, to embrace the team's next challenge and to relish what he still regards as the huge privilege of representing his country.

This is the story of a modern sporting phenomenon.

Publishers Pan Macmillan revealed last night that the book AB de Villiers - The Autobiography - had already reached number 35 on the Amazon India best-sellers list - and it hasn't even been released in the sub-continent yet.

Such is the adoration that De Villiers gets from fans in countries like India and Pakistan…Referring back to the ODI Series against India last year, De Villiers said the way in which he is revered in India is very humbling.

Questioned on the highs in his career. De Villiers said personal milestones were secondary to him when compared to team accomplishments.

De Villiers admitted that a slump in form in 2006, coupled with the Proteas' inability to win a World Cup, were personal lows for him…But last year's World Cup semi-final defeat again brought him close to tears.